Most of the regions in south China's Hainan Province have been hit by a rainstorm over the past two days, but there have been no reports of casualties.

The heavy rain has caused two ports, the new port of Haikou, capital of the island province, and Xiuying Port, to close since Tuesday noon. Shipping services across the Qiongzhou Straits have also been suspended.

According to the local meteorological station, the rainstorm, caused by a tropical depression, will continue in the province Wednesday night and Thursday, and will be centered at the sea area near Wenchang County.

The amount of rainfall in about ten cities and counties including Haikou, Wenchang and Chengmai has surpassed 100 millimeters.

Nearly 100 vehicles are currently unable to leave Haikou and Xiuying ports due to street flooding. But the rainstorm has had little influence on the flights to and from the island over the past two days.

(People's Daily 08/30/2001)